Philippine military ordered to deliver typhoon aid as death toll crosses 200

At least 211 have died, according to police reports. That toll could still rise as dozens remain missing. - AFP

MANILA, Dec 20 (Reuters): The Philippines ordered its military on Monday to send airplanes and naval vessels to carry aid to areas devastated by a powerful typhoon that has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and killed more than 200.

Many central and southern regions are cut off after Typhoon Rai, the strongest to hit the archipelago this year, downed power and communication links, complicating rescue and relief efforts.